Winter Preparedness Guide

How to: Protect your pet during a winter weather emergency
Keep an Eye
on the Weather
Unlike other emergencies, predictions for winter weather are usually available at least a few days before disaster strikes, so don’t be taken by surprise.
Be sure to have
the Right Supplies
Use the following emergency kit checklist so you don’t forget anything important:
• Lots of clean, unfrozen water
• Enough food and treats
• Manual can opener
• Disposable spoons
• Food and water bowls
• Collar, leash, and harness
• Pet carrier/crate for smaller animals
• Litter and litter boxes (for cats)
or poop bags (for dogs)
• Paper towels and garbage bags
• Spray disinfectant and hand sanitizer
• Warm pet clothing
• Your pet’s prescription medications
and important nutritional supplements 
• Pet first aid kit
• Toys or chews
• Bedding and blankets
• Any necessary grooming implements
• Battery-operated flashlight
• Extra batteries
• Current ID tags and proof of ownership
• Vaccination and important medical records
• Water-resistant bags or backpacks
Research Your
Evacuation Options
Talk to friends and family, write down the names and addresses of pet-friendly hotels and short-term rentals, and know the locations of community evacuation shelters that accept animals.
Keep Your Pet Inside as Much as Possible
Let your pet outdoors only when necessary and as briefly as possible. Dogs who are shivering, whining, anxious, lethargic, holding up their paws, or seeking shelter need to go inside immediately.
Remember: Different Pets Have Different Limits
What feels just a little chilly to one pet could be dangerous for another. Multiple factors impact how pets react to cold weather, including:
• Size – Small pets tend to get cold more quickly than larger pets because of their greater surface area to volume ratio.
• Body condition – Fat is a good insulator, so skinny pets get cold more quickly than those who are overweight.
• Age – The very young and the very old often have more trouble staying warm than pets in their prime.
• Health – Sick pets may be unable to regulate their body temperatures well.
• Coat type – A thin, single layer of fur will trap far less heat than will the thick, double-layered coats
• Coat condition – Pets with thinning, patchy, or shaved fur may also get colder than expected or develop frostbite at those locations.
• Coloration – Dark coats will absorb more heat than will those with a lighter coloration
• Activity – Movement generates body heat that helps keep pets warm.
• History – Pets who spend a lot of time outdoors in cooler temperatures usually grow thicker coats and are more tolerant of cold weather
Consider Dressing Your Pet in Warm Clothes
Fitted sweaters will help keep pets with thin coats warm indoors or when it’s just a bit chilly outside. A coat with a wind- and water-resistant outer layer and a thick lining would be better in more extreme conditions.
Paw Protection
Is Key
Paw pads may come in contact with de-icer, salt, antifreeze, or sharp patches of ice. Winter booties are the best way to protect your dog’s paws. If your pet can’t get used to booties, try a paw balm for protection, and wipe your pet’s feet clean of chemicals after your walk.
Chemicals: Watch Where Your Dog Is Sniffing and Licking
Consuming just a small amount of antifreeze can lead to kidney failure and death. De-icers can also be irritating and lead to gastrointestinal problems if ingested. Don’t let your pets drink from puddles or lick the ground on a walk.
Keep Your Pet
On a Leash
Keeping your pet leashed lets you make quick detours around puddles of antifreeze or de-icer-coated pavement. After dark, consider using a reflective collar or harness, or attaching battery-powered bike lights to your pet’s gear.
Know When
to See a Vet
Pets who are becoming dangerously cold can develop these symptoms:
• Lethargy
• Shivering, which stops when severe hypothermia sets in
• Muscle stiffness
• Clumsy movements
• Cool ears, tail, and feet

If your pet shows any of these signs, seek shelter immediately and gradually warm your pet by covering them in blankets and tucking warm (not hot) water bottles around them.
Early signs of antifreeze poisoning include:
‍
• Lethargy
• Vomiting
• Loss of appetite
• Unsteadiness when walking
• Abdominal painIncreased thirst and urination

Talk to your vet ASAP if you suspect your dog has hypothermia, frostbite, antifreeze poisoning, or any other health problem.
Get Protected
The greatest protection you can provide them is comprehensive health coverage. Sign up today so you can have peace of mind the next time the cold strikes.

Preparation is essential when it comes to protecting your pet.

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